Keeping Caroline

Survivor & Savior #2

by C.A. Varian

After her young daughter, Evie, emerges from the ICU in remission from Leukemia, Caroline Boudreaux relocates with her brother Ethan and his wife Scarlett to a tranquil mountain town, seven hours from the turmoil of New Orleans.

As Caroline begins to forge a new path at Scarlett’s bookstore, she embraces newfound independence and the quiet joys of everyday life. But peace is fleeting. Unbeknownst to her, the shadow of her brother’s violent past looms large, drawing the ire of a vengeful mob.

As threats encroach upon her newfound sanctuary, Caroline finds an unexpected ally in Tristan—a brilliant hacker with a soft spot for those he cherishes. Together, they face a storm of dangers, igniting a bond that transcends friendship.

Amidst whispered secrets and harrowing escapes, Caroline discovers that love can bloom in the face of adversity, and sometimes, heroes come from behind the screens.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Audiobook, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2024

Reviews

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a very well written story with beautiful character development throughout the story. But I was a little confused at times where I felt I shouldn’t.

[LaVette LoVe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book as an eARC book. Below is my review.

Caroline, The Phoenix, has been thru so much. The death of her husband, the love of her life, and having a child with cancer.

Tristan, The Phantom, is the man in the chair. Orphan, who grew up on the streets, turned tech genius.

Caroline and Tristan zing! They are attracted to each other and just mesh so well. However, they are both put thru the ringer because of who they know. But Tristan will stop at nothing, including stepping out of his comfort zone, to make sure Caroline is safe!

This fast paced, suspense filled, love story is an amazing read, and I wish it was longer!

Format: eBook
Pages: 300
Genre: Dark Romance
Spicy Scenes: 4
Tropes: Dark, Suspense, Abduction, Found Family, Fast Burn

5⭐
3🌶️

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly really like this book. it was definitely a quick read. it was a good finish to book one which was saving Scarlett. the problem that I had was it was just that instead of it being mostly about Tristan and Caroline, it just seemed to be a part two of Scarlett and Ethan.
The other thing was I just felt like when the action part hit Ethan overshadowed Tristan and it just kind of felt like Tristan was an afterthought like he couldn't do what he needed to do. and I understand. Ethan is a macho guy. listen. I fell in love with him in the first book but it almost was kind of like love ya but could you get out of his way so we could see what he can do 🤣.
All in all I love the spice. I love the story itself

[IR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was okay. It was a little fast paced, and I didn’t expect the whole gang murder kidnap thing it had. I probably should’ve read the first book before this one, but I didn’t know that until like halfway through the book. I was told it was a dark romance, and I thought it meant that through the romance, not the story plot.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as good as the first.... actually I liked this couple more!
Varian kept with the original plot so it was a continuation of the story. There was a such a sweet build up to the MCs relationship that I loved.

Of course, I listened in audio and it was a fantastic listen with my two favorite narrators.

Definitely top 10 of 2025

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🥰

This story was great and I’m loving how everything tied up in the end! Here for Caroline & Tristan. I love a good side quest character story ❤️

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed book 2 of this duet!!
Caroline is a single mom, widowed, dealing with her daughter Evie who is in remission. She is setting over at her brother and sister in laws bookstore in a new town. But her brother’s past causes some drama for her …… definitely check this one out

[Jess W.B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright. The story did not pull me through as fast as the first book in the duet. Happy to see Caroline find her happiness though.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After her young daughter, Evie, emerges from the ICU in remission from Leukemia, Caroline Boudreaux relocates with her brother Ethan and his wife Scarlett to a tranquil mountain town, seven hours from the turmoil of New Orleans.

As Caroline begins to forge a new path at Scarlett’s bookstore, she embraces newfound independence and the quiet joys of everyday life. But peace is fleeting. Unbeknownst to her, the shadow of her brother’s violent past looms large, drawing the ire of a vengeful mob.

As threats encroach upon her newfound sanctuary, Caroline finds an unexpected ally in Tristan—a brilliant hacker with a soft spot for those he cherishes. Together, they face a storm of dangers, igniting a bond that transcends friendship.

Amidst whispered secrets and harrowing escapes, Caroline discovers that love can bloom in the face of adversity, and sometimes, heroes come from behind the screens.

I enjoyed this book as much as I did the 1st book in this duology. Caroline and Tristan were adorable together. I also loved that Scarlett and Ethan were kept in the picture throughout the whole book. Caroline's daughter Evie was also adorable. It always amazes me to know and see children that have been through so much in life already being as strong and bright as they are, how the simplest things are sometimes the best things to them and make them so happy. Caroline and Ethan lost their parents as teens and had no family but yet they have found family in Tristan and Scarlett. Caroline learning to handle her grief by finding happiness for herself again was beautiful. There were certain chapters that i think could have been left out as i felt like they were more thrown in just to be thrown in, however i can see where some might have wanted those specific chapters but i felt they could've been left out. One thing that I do wish we would've seen more of is how Ethan felt about Tristan and his sister Caroline being together. We obviously see at the end that he is happy for them and must not mind but I would've still liked to know his thoughts before the last few chapters that we had. Other than that I really liked it as a whole and was entraced by it from start to finish. The flow was down well and just enough pacing throughout and suspense to keep you interested.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping Caroline by C.A Varian is book two in the Survivor and Savior Duet. I’m a fan of how this author writes so whenever there’s a new book it’s an immediate must read. I was so excited for this book because it’s a continuation of the first one. That being said, you must read them in order. I will mention to check your trigger warnings to be on the safe side. I read this in one sitting. It was so good! I couldn’t put my kindle down, it had the just one more chapter syndrome. I absolutely loved reading Caroline and Tristian relationship developing. I thought they complemented each other so much. Their chemistry was on another level; it was great. This had everything I could have wanted in it… action, suspense, spiciness then such an intensity that it’s hard to describe. The book took all my emotions on such a journey. But I ultimately loved the theme of moving on from your past. But then again I just loved everything about this diet as a whole. The writing is great and the plot is just addictive to the point where you don’t want to put the book down. Everything is described so well it easy to feel like a fly on the wall, as if you’re there in the story. I also really enjoyed how everything ended. This was an amazing duet and I can’t recommend it enough. This was a two thumbs up read for me. Also have you seen how gorgeous the covers are for these books!?! Love them.

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Lisa peacock · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't believe the hype

This book got great reviews. Everybody is screaming how amazing it is, and although it is right, it's really well. Written the actual book itself. I would consider it. A novel would not be considered a romance novel. If you're into dark romance, this is not the book for you. This book is basically a nonfiction is what I would title it as I like I said it is well written. The storyline is great. I think she was more invested in tying up the first book to this series because it seems to me that there are a few chapters in it that have the savior and the survivor and their point of view in this book, which to me was either wasted or it. It just didn't tie in I get that she, you know that it was his sister and he was trying to save her, but yeah, but basically this isn't even a slow-burning romance novel. I don't get I just. I don't understand the hype. This book had none of the dark scenes unless you consider kidnapping, and somebody being beaten up by the kidnapper. I didn't get it, but to each their own. But as for me, I was looking for an intense dark romance with all of the tropes, and this book had none of them except for the violence, read at your own peril, but don't believe the hype on this one, ladies and gentlemen, don't believe the hype.

[Debz78 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well god damn my heart stopped a few times, I literally screamed at the book lol (like the characters could hear me) !

This is a follow up to Saving Scarlett...a brief catch up, so Scarlett was with an abusive husband, her dad is a well known gangster, her husband planned to have her killed but the man he hired didn't do it instead he saved her...Ethan was that man.
He has a past and keeps that life as secret as he can from his sister Caroline and her daughter Evie.

Well this book follows Caroline's story..Evie has cancer and is a wee warrior like her mum, you find out her story and more from Ethan and Scarlett.

Ethan has a guy called Phantom who works behind the scenes with all the tech, a hacker! What's his story? What has got to do with all this?

I am saying no more than this, you will be on the edge of your seat, you will cry, laugh and scream at this book and if you've read the first book, you get answers and omg they were worth waiting for.

Another fantastic book by Cherie 💞

[Jessica LC Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want this book to end! Caroline and Scarlett could have an entire series and I'd still want more.

Excellent writing C. A. Varian!!!

Relatable characters who show growth, excellent plot, an exciting storyline that most of us don't confront.

Spice? Yes. Delicious spice. Yet nothing ridiculous that takes over the plot.

Leukemia awareness and mental health awareness are touched on. I appreciated that representation.

In some ways, this was an unputdownable book, eager to turn the pages (or keep listening to the Audible version - amazing!). I found myself looking at how much I had left, and I just didn't want it to ever end.

I love when I know for a fact that certain characters will live in my mind for years to come! Scarlett and Caroline and the rest of this family will prove to do just that, I'm sure.

Brava!

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance after heartache, with some mobster action

After reading book 1 and realizing it wasn’t as dark as I expected, I went into book 2 knowing better what to expect. - Keeping Caroline is similar to Saving Scarlett in that our MMC is really a softie despite doing some morally grey things, and the romance/attraction happens quickly. Spice doesn’t hit till halfway through, I’d say it’s about 2.5/5 on spice level. - I’m glad Caroline and Evie got their happily ever after. They went through so much in book 1, and then Caroline went through more in this book. Loved finding out a bit more about the hacker Phantom, who we met in book 1.

[Sammy Standing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping Caroline is the second book in the Survivor & Savior duet, I would recommend reading the Surviving Scarlet first however this can be read as a standalone.

This book absolutely blew me away, from the beginning of this story I was absolutely hooked and I could not get enough of these characters. Caroline and Tristan together were absolute perfection and I really loved the way they came together, it wasn’t without its difficulties but I really thought their relationship was beautiful.

This was the perfect conclusion to this duet and I highly recommend picking this up, but please do read the trigger warnings before diving in.

[Jule Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect continuation to Saving Scarlett. I loved seeing the relationship between Caroline and Tristan develop. Both had some issues to overcome but they compliment each other so well and I was very happy to see how their relationship evolved, especially over such a short timespan. And their chemistry was amazing! This book pulls at your emotions while also giving the reader healthy doses of spice and suspense. I flew threw this read because I just HAD to know what happened next, but the ending was also a satisfying conclusion for both couples. Highly recommend!

[Lee Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read Saving Scarlett then Keeping Caroline is a must read. The story starts off by updating us on what Scarlett and Ethan have been doing since escaping the mob. We are introduced to 3 new characters, Caroline, Evie and Phantom. We get to know them and little Evie will steal your heart. The last half of the book gets pretty intense with suspense and you won’t want to put it down. Then there’s this car scene that will have you sliding off your chair! If you know, you know! If you don’t then go buy this book right away and find out!!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping Caroline is the second book in the Survivor and Savior Duet. This is the perfect follow up to Saving Scarlett. Although the book has several characters’ POV, the story mainly centers around Caroline, Ethan's/Bane Sister, hacker The Phantom and the aftermath of taking down Scarlett's father. It was an exciting read, full of steamy chemistry, suspense, and the emotion of moving on from one’s past. I read this book in one sitting! If you are looking for a series that is different from the mass market romance novels, I highly recommend this book and series.

[Crystal Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing read!!

This book was amazing!! Caroline and Tristans story was so sweet. Tristan helped Caroline heal as a widow and helped her find herself again after worrying and putting all of herself into her daughters health battle. She and Evie helped him find the love of a family that he had forgotten. Seeing Ethan and Scarletts relationship was so heart warming 💓 all of them working together to help caroline and than the end of the book ugh I can go on and on but don't want to spoil it lol READ IT!!!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was incredible!! It is better if you read Saving Scarlet first. Tristan and Caroline 💕 Caroline has had a rough few years but things are starting to look up. Her daughter's cancer is in remission and she has a new love interest Tristan, her brother's partner in crime, literally. They are both scared of these feelings that are developing.

I want to tell you more but I also want this to remain spoiler free. Must read and C.A. Varian has a few different options for beautiful SE hardcover and paperback.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good wrap up to the duology. It felt easier to get into because all the characters are returning. It was also a nice surprise to have a couple chapters told from a returning character's viewpoint. My only gripe is the romance in this one seemed to linger on as the main point of the story, and then the actual problem of the story with the bad guys seemed really rushed. Overall en enjoyable read and I did love the duet. This story's couple was definitely my favorite though.

[Samantha Raso · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ i fear this is a no for me. i wanted to dnf 40% in, but i stayed for the plot. idk what happened but the writing went downhill after book 1. her nickname was superwoman…. and his was super spy…. yea im good on that. i just kept getting the ick and getting uncomfortable throughout the book and the plot i was mainly there for was barely involved. sad that i didnt enjoy this as much as book 1.

[Shelby Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read for me, but it didn’t quite live up to the first book. The slow burn was definitely there, and while I usually don’t mind that, this one dragged a little too much in places. My biggest struggle though, was with the pet names used during the intimate moments- they pulled me out of the story instead of adding to the connection. Overall, it wasn’t bad, but compared to Saving Scarlett, this one just didn’t hit as hard for me.

[Dalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in this series it follows Saving Scarlett. This is Caroline’s story unfortunately Evie has cancer. As the book progresses, we learn more about Ethan and Scarlett. This book had me crying and on the edge of my seat. A lot of questions that I had after book one are answered here and everything clicks and falls into place.

[Savanna M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect ending to the survivor & savior duet

I’m just in awe. I had to stop myself from finishing it too quickly just to prolong the inevitable end.
HEA usually are bittersweet but I was excited for this one.
Phantom and Caroline had a different kind of love, and I loved how it was written.

[Stashia Campbell (readingraven_nevermore) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This duology was great. Caroline still grieving the husband she lost(3 years earlier), and dealing with her daughter having cancer, but falling for Tristan during all this, she was kidnapped (they thought she was Scarlett) and beaten by enemies of Scarlett’s father, she came out stronger than ever before. The FMC’s in these two books are fighters for sure.

They both get their HEA.

[Nathalie Najibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping Caroline absolutely swept me away from the very first page. C.A. Varian has a way of writing that pulls you straight into the characters’ world and refuses to let you go. Caroline’s journey in this book is emotional, raw, and deeply compelling—I felt every single high and low right along with her.

What stood out most to me was how beautifully Varian balances heart-pounding tension with tender, vulnerable moments. Caroline is such a layered character; she’s strong and resilient, yet still carries her scars in a way that makes her so achingly human. Watching her navigate the struggles and choices she’s faced with felt like watching a close friend fight her way toward healing and hope.

The relationships in this book—romantic, platonic, and everything in between—are written with such authenticity. Every interaction carried weight, and I found myself completely invested in how these connections shaped Caroline’s path. There were moments that made me smile through tears, and others that left my heart in my throat.

By the end, I was both breathless and inspired. Keeping Caroline isn’t just a story—it’s an emotional experience, the kind of book that lingers with you long after you’ve closed it. C.A. Varian has quickly become one of my must-read authors, and I honestly can’t recommend this book enough. If you want a story that’s intense, heartfelt, and unforgettable, you need this one on your shelf.

[Kikicanadianchick kikicanadianchick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most beautiful love story! The love developed between Caroline and Tristan has me aching for third book with more babies!!!! The way Tristan did what he needed to do to get his girl was EVERYTHING!

[Michele Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! I enjoyed finding out more about Ethan and Scarlett. I absolutely loved the suspenseful story between Caroline and Tristan. If you loved Saving Scarlett you will absolutely love Keeping. Caroline.

[bay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may be bias but I absolutely adore the writing from this author. This is book two in the duet and I just was on my toes the entire time. Tristan is my favorite ever and I’m in love with him 😭 this pulled everything together perfectly and yes you need to read book 1!